I'm a Power Walker! There is no shame in that! (Is there?)

Well, I've had some sketchy periods in my training, and even sketchier moments in my blog.  Today I had an epiphany while training.  I am a power walker!  Will I ever be able to call myself a runner? Perhaps, but not yet.  For now, I am happy being a power walker.  The pace I've been jogging at, and the pace I've been power walking at are about the same.  I can only jog for about 1/2 mile without slowing, but I can power walk for miles and miles very comfortably.  Many articles I've read say the calorie burn is equivalent, so, for now, I'm happy to announce I am a Power Walker!


Today, I PW'd to Wheeler Farm. On Sunday's they host a Farmer's Market.  Look who I found.  Baaaa!


My favorite vendor at the market is The Hot Box, coffee trailer.  They make what is arguably the BEST iced latte around.   I then sat in the shade and watched a man in a kilt spin wool! 


I continued along my walk.  And met another four legged friend.  I was really lucky my subjects were very willing to pose for a quick picture.

It really was a beautiful day for a walk.  As I round the corner and headed towards home, I was touched by how nice our local Murray Fire Dept. looked, and thought how lucky we all are to have a group of people ready and willing to come our rescue and aid in any emergency 24/7!  Hats off to our wonderful firefighters and police depts!

One final thing caught my eye as I got closer to home.  There is a nearby elementary school that has recently been demolished and rebuilt anew. It seems they are excavating the grounds around the old school.  They have dug a trench about 3 feet deep around the perimeter of the grounds.  It seems the workmen came across an interesting find.  This bone was laying along the curb that they are working along.  The big gulp cup gives you an idea of size reference.  I would estimate the bone to be about 8 inches long.  It could be a large dog or farm animal, or ....could it be human?  Perhaps that of a jogger that didn't have the stamina necessary to complete the task!  Perhaps, they should have admitted to themself, they weren't built to run, they were built to power walk!

I'm baaaack!

After a bit of a hiatus, I'm back on the road again.  I've managed to get my shifts changed to 9a start time, allowing me time to train in the morning before it gets too hot.  This morning we (Steve joined me!) got up at 6:00am, laced our sneakers and hit the road.  I managed 3.5 miles of walking/jogging.  It felt great to know I was back doing something good for my body (theoretically- the aches and pains tell me otherwise).  Currently my siatic has gone back into hiding, and I'm feeling great!

First, I'd like to tell you the most interesting thing I saw this morning.  It was a toothbrush.  Not a thrill, but still, it was the most interesting item we came across.  The best thing I found is a dollar!  Just folded up on the side of the road lay a $1.00 bill.  Steve said this now classifies me as a professional runner, having received payment.  I'm not sure if this is automatic disqualification from Team In Training, but I plan to keep it on the down-low.  I guess I should mail it in with my other donations. 

Speaking of donations I want to send a huge thank you to everyone for their continued support, not just financial but motivational as well!  My dontations are at 88% of my goal, and I have more at home to submit!  Friends and family have helped make this a great experience. :)

It'um Hot!

So I came to a harsh realization on my run this afternoon.  Not that I'm too old to do this, because I'm not (even though my body is trying to prove otherwise), and not that I need to eat better and get in better overall health to be successful, cause I knew that the first time I tried on running shorts (Damn you too, jog bra!).  No, what I learned today is ...I need to become a morning person!  There I said it, and it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth!


If you know me very well, you know I am NOT a morning person!  I hit the snooze for a good 30-40 minutes before dragging my cursing self out of bed.  This may be partially due to the fact I'm also an insomniac, and for some hellish reason, some of my only sleep comes between snooze alarms.

Well, this afternoon, after my chiropractic appointment I decided to go for a short run/walk.  Not far maybe 5 miles or so.  I packed on my water, gatorade, energy snack, music and headed out the door.  I wasn't going to let the fact that it was 91 degrees stop me.  I started off strong, but a mile into it I was weakening.  At 1.5 miles out, I was cooked. Toast.  Fried.  I admitted defeat and turned back towards home.  By the time I dragged my weary ass towards my front door, I was sweating buckets.  

So, it seems I may have to start doing my training in the coolness of morning, before work.  90% of my being shudders at the mere thought of getting up early and exercising.  10% of my less sensible self is excited at the possibility of becoming one of those annoying fools that gets up with the rising sun.  One reason I signed up for this marathon, is to make some concrete positive changes in different aspects of my life.  If I don't resist it, this could become one of those changes, and one I never even saw coming. 

Still recovering

I'm thrilled to report that our little girl, Josie, came through her surgery with flying colors!  She had a metal plate, and a metal pin removed from her hip and rear leg. {see exhibit A}  We picked her up from Dr. Wilson (world's greatest vet) on Saturday.  

Exhibit A

Plate removed here

 The edges of the plate are very sharp and jagged.  No wonder they were bothering her!  She is two days out of surgery and obviously feeling better than before.  She has two small incisions on her knee for the pin removals.  She's been going up and down stairs, playing with Patrick, and humping her toys with out a single complaint! 

And now for the less heroic:


Saturday The Team met at Gardner Village for a 5 mile run.  I was able to make it, and able to do the whole distance, however I didn't run.  I felt fairly good during the walk, and my endurance felt fine and right on target, but afterwards and the following day (yesterday) my siatic nerve was angry.  I was really in pain and feeling down about my progress.

This afternoon I had my third appointment with Dr. Luce.  After the treatment I felt so much better!  I'm still feeling great, a couple hours later, and hope the good feeling lasts. 

I also purchased a Tens Unit from Dr. Luce.  This portable little electro stimulus machine is part of our treatment sessions and feels marvelous!  I'll be able to zap my painful parts whenever I want now.  

Warning: Graphic Content for Mature Audiences

Well it has been a week of lessons for me.

Lesson 1) The importance of stretching!  I developed piriformis muscle syndrome.  This is a very painful condition, probably caused from a lack of stretching properly after my workouts.  The piriformis muscle  becomes inflamed and presses on the siatic nerve.  I had shooting pain down my right leg and into my foot. I saw Dr. Luce.  If you were at our Team In Training workshop, you heard him talk about A.R.T.  He told us it was a painful yet effective treatment.  He did not lie.  Here are pictures of the bruise received as a result of A.R.T., and as painful as it is, the benefits are worth it.  Though not completely better, the relief I've received in one day is remarkable.  I go back for a second treatment on Thursday.

Lesson 2) Do not let an incontinent dog sleep in your bed. Enough said.

Lesson 3) The importance of proper nutrition and hydration.  Today was my first day back training after my week of pain.  Since I'm still hurting and only planned to walk today, I was not concerned with proper food and water intake.  I thankfully did take water with me. At about 1.5 miles I felt very shakey.  I didn't have any food with me and felt my energy sap.  I ended up sitting under a tree for a few minutes until I stopped shaking and could feel comfortable heading home.  I now know the importance of proper fuel before a workout, and not to underestimate based on intensity.  Also I plan to always carry some fuel with me, even on a wimpy walk, like I took today.

If even one person can learn from my newbie mistakes, it will have all been worth it. Well, except sleeping with the incontinent dog!

What a Wonderful World!

Wednesday afternoon was a great run!  I'm actually looking forward to my runs.  The individual run itself is fine, but it's knowing that each tough little run gets me a little closer to my goal of becoming "a runner"!

One thing I have found to be a huge help with my running is to have the right music!  Having great music pounding in my ears has been a great motivater.  I'm no longer focusing on the sound of my wheezing lungs and thighs rubbing together. 

What makes good running music?  It's not always what I would assume.  I love the gyrating grunts and yips of Prince, but running to his sexual howls was awkward.  So far I have found Godley and Creme, History Mix Vol. 1 to be the BEST music for keeping me on my C game.  (I'm still aspiring to a B and A game).

I plan to make a music folder for running tunes that keep me motivated!  Any suggestions, please send them along!

Another great motivator is having my husband Steve with me.  Knowing someone is watching me keeps me honest and I push myself a little harder. 

And finally, keeping my eyes out for interesting spottings is super fun.  I plan to post pictures of the most interesting, funny, etc... things on see on my runs.  Lets start with Cute!



This momma duck was proudly paddling the canal and keeping a watchful eye on her new ducklings!  There were at least nine babies with her, and just about as cute as can be!  What a wonderful world!

Let's talk Underwear!

I missed my team run yesterday morning.  I stayed up too late the night before and was not able to get myself up in time for my commitment.  I let the team down, and myself down and I had a run to make up for. 

This morning Steve and I got dressed and headed out for my make-up run. I wore my professionally selected Brooks running shoes, my cotton-free running socks, my supportive, breathable running bra, and wicking breathable pants and shirt.  But one thought kept creeping into my mind.  Ummm, I'm guessing they make runner's underwear, and maybe I should invest in some! 

All you experienced runner's out there, what's a girl to do?  I probably just have to check Wasatch Running or another experienced running outlet.  I have to wonder, do they have me try a pair on, then watch how my cheeks rub together and make their suggestions?  I did get the perfect shoes this way, and I'll settle for nothing but the best undies!  

Seriously, anyone have a brand they recommend?

Also my make up run was 2.81 miles in 43:52 minutes!  This is my best time yet, and had Steve, my husband, joining me, which helped a lot with my motivation!

Cotton is Rotten!

One of the first lessons I learned as a member of TNT is 'Cotton is Rotten!'  No cotton shorts. No cotton shirts. And by all means no cotton socks!  Cotton becomes wet and stays wet, and nothing spells b-l-i-s-t-e-r faster than soggy socks!
These are my new toe socks I bought at Wasatch Running!  I bought a couple different of styles of socks because one very important aspect of running is...the feet need to be as comfortable as possible!  And while we're just beginning our training, it is a perfect time to start experimenting with what works for us and what doesn't!  Like most of you, I have 5 little piggies on each foot.  On both my feet, the "little piggy that had none" tends to bend under the "little piggy that had roast beef" (although mine had a soy substitute), and the rubbing of the two piggies can cause some blistering.  I just tried them out and they felt great!  My piggies didn't rub together, and the individually wrapped toes didn't bother me at all, as I feared they might. They were super comfortable. 

If you have piggies that need to be tamed, try a pair of these socks and see if they don't help you too.  Now all my piggies can go "Weeeeee, all the way home!"

WHY?!?!

Since announcing my decision to join Team In Training and run a half marathon one resounding question I've heard is:
     "Why in the world are you doing this? Have you lost your mind?"

Let me assure you that most of my mind is still intact.  I've had no recent blows to the head.  There are a lot of reasons why I'm doing this.  I recently got a new tattoo on my foot.  A sweet little sea turtle emerging from his shell.  He's awesome. Sheldon. I wanted a sea turtle and wracked my brain about what position he should be in.  When it hit me, he should be hatching from his leathery shell.  I loved the idea of a "new beginning".  The whole world lay in front of Sheldon, and I know he's going to do fabulous things.  Plus lets face it, baby sea turtles are darn cute!

I wanted to incorporate some of the new beginnings into my own life.  I'd heard about Team In Training before but when I heard about the commitment to train and fund-raise I quickly poo poo'd the idea..."whoa, that is not ME! I'm not a runner, or an athlete.  I'm a couch potato! And I don't have the nerve to fund-raise the kind of money TNT requires!" 

Then I looked down at Sheldon. I swear he looked back at me with a smirk saying "New beginnings eh? Put up or shut up!"  So I decided to change the way I think of myself.  Now I know what you may be thinking.

"She's taking advice from her foot! Poor Steve, how is he managing to care for her." 

I've listened to my heart, my head, my gut and by golly, when the left foot sends you a message, don't be afraid to listen!  I've changed the way I'm thinking of myself. I can make a positive change for my health. I can be an athlete. I can run.  And I can even fund-raise!  So far I've been amazed at how easy the commitment has been to keep.  I'm working hard to follow my training calendar.  I've been amazed at the generosity of my family and friends.  I've received an outpouring of donations and support and am grateful for it all.  I even received some great advice from a long time friend. "You know your're going to have to train for that."  I thank you for all the encouragement, donations, cheerleading, and even for stating the obvious....I will train for that.

I'm excited because I think the next few months will be a great test for me.  I'm hoping to take the good, bad, and ugly to become a better me.  Sheldon and have are off to a great start!

"20 minutes-slightly faster run"

My training and commitment is still going strong, though my daily blogs have lagged. Never fear, I think I'm starting to get a small handle on all this technical stuff.  I'd love you to donate, check out my fund-raising progress or just offer me a word of support at my official TNT website, teamintraining.com  Then just click on find participant, and enter my name.

It amazes me how much the support of my friends and family means to me.  Today winter was threatening to return with cold temperatures in the 40's, wind and rain.  As you can imagine it was easy to talk my self out of my "20 minutes-slightly faster run" as dictated by my daily workout calendar.  I wasn't feeling happy with my decision to skip today's workout, but knew I was completely justified.  Then the mail came.  In my box was an envelope which held my very first donation obtained from my fund-raising letter.  My self addressed stamped envelop had been returned, and opening the seal was so exciting!  My friend, Marietta had sent a very generous donation to support LLS!  Not only that, there was a second check also made out to LLS, in honor of my friend Ceil's birthday! 

I was so excited, and instantly knew what I had to do.  I had to put on my running clothes, tie my shoes, strap on my hydration belt and hit the cold, wet pavement.  And I did.  It wasn't just the financial support of my friend that got me off the couch and out the door.  It was knowing that my friend, who'd seen me gasping for oxygen on a hike together last summer, was saying "I believe in you.  You are going to succeed!"  I couldn't let my friend down.  I couldn't let my team down.  I couldn't let myself down.  So I did my training, "20 minutes-slightly faster run" and it felt great!

I need donations, but I also need your encouragement!  Let me know your our there!  Follow my blog and send me some comments.

Go!

I just completed my first 30 minute run/walk training session.  I'm following the guidance of Hal Higdon, a world renowned running coach.  For beginning runners, such as myself the training begins with 15 minutes of walking, followed by 10 minutes of; 30 secs. of running followed by walking till recovered, and 30 more seconds of running, etc.  Followed by 5 minutes of walking. 

Didn't sound like much of a challenge, but each of those 30 second intervals reminded me just how out of shape I am, and what an undertaking I've agreed to.  It's not going to be easy, but sometimes we need to challenge ourselves in ways we never thought possible, just to remind ourselves we can thrive!

Please help me support The Leukemia & Lymphoma  Society my making a donation in my name.

I'd like to donate!

On your mark, get set.....

For those of you that know me, what I am about to tell you will come as somewhat of a shock.  I predict one of two reactions. 
1) You will laugh so hard you find yourself gasping for air, similar to a fish out of water, or 
2) Feel great sadness at the thought that I have lost my mind, but perhaps some satisfaction that you knew it was inevitable.

Both reactions are understandable. Historically I am not known for athletic prowess.  It is with a great leap of faith in myself, that I have joined Team In Training, for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society! 

I have signed up to participate in Nike Women's Half Marathon (13.1 miles!), October 16 in San Francisco, CA.  This will be a huge challenge for me.

I will use this blog to motivate myself to keep my commitment, to track my progress, and keep myself accountable to everyone that reads this!  I ask for you to follow along with my blog.  I will need your encouragement and motivation to be successful!  I will also ask for donations to aid in my fund raising commitment to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Please bear with me as I learn to blog.  I will have photos posted soon, showing my journey!  Let's do this together!